
The Environment Agency (EA) recently published research data on the remarkable increase in aluminium packaging recycling volume compared to the 2022 projections. The information was published by EA on the National Packaging Waste Database (NPWD), which showed that in the first quarter alone, 40,478 tonnes of aluminium packaging were collected for recycling, a 14 per cent increase over the previous year (35,382).

Of this amount, 28,850 tonnes were recycled actively by consumers through kerbside, bring, and on-the-go methods (+14 per cent YOY). In comparison, 11,323 tonnes were recovered from incinerator bottom ash (IBA), with tonnages increasing +20 per cent YOY. So far this year, 60,621 tonnes have been caught in the United Kingdom, a 13 per cent increase over the same time last year (53,725). Progress is being made while the requirement has been reduced across all material kinds.
Tom Giddings, executive director of Alupro, said, “The UK’s latest PRN data shows an impressive increase when it comes to separately collected aluminium packaging, material recovered from IBA and other local protocol fractions. It’s positive news indeed that PRNs issued to date this year are already well ahead of target. While we can’t guarantee that this pace will continue throughout the rest of 2023, with six months of the year – and the busy Christmas period – still to go, the feel is decidedly positive across the supply chain when it comes to outperforming 2022 figures.”
“We’re still awaiting market data to be submitted by some companies, which once again suggests that enforcement needs to be better and system reform is critical. However, if recycling volumes continue to climb and the obligation remains stable once missing data has been entered, we could be on course for an impressive total tonnage for 2023. Although some industry critics had suggested that the high recycling rates experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic were just a short-term trend, it’s reassuring to see that impressive volumes have continued. This is, in part, due to changing consumer behaviours, driven by programmes such as Every Can Counts and MetalMatters,” added Giddings.
Responses







